Vialli: Diego is as good as Messi

Juventus legend Gianluca Vialli believes new signing Diego is just as good as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Bianconeri bought Diego for £20m from Werder Bremen, where he established his formidable reputation.

“Diego is a fantastic acquisition. I consider him to be one of the best three players in the world under 25 together with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Vialli told Tuttosport.

“His years in Germany have strengthened him and thanks to him Juventus' attack presents itself as one of the best in the world.”

Vialli then turned his attention to the transfer market in general and revealed he is monitoring Milan's interest in Edin Dzeko.

“It would pique my curiosity if Dzeko were to arrive in Milan. The Bosnian reminds me of a young Shevchenko. He might become one of the strongest in the world,” Vialli said.

Later on in the interview, Vialli lent his support to Juventus and Milan, who hired young trainers ahead of next season.

“Ciro Ferrara and Leonardo are two of my friends and I am happy that they have been offered this opportunity.

“They have both earned it after going through their careers with an exemplary attitude,” Vialli explained.

“Today a trainer has to coach in the dressing room before coaching on the pitch. They find themselves in charge of a group of young, rich and famous boys.

“In many cases, every one of them is a little business and they sometimes behave with a good dose of egoism.

“Only those who have once been champions can manage all these aspects and get through to the players what is needed, which is serenity, unity and ferocious determination.

“In that sense, Ferrara has had a teacher like Marcello Lippi, an absolute guarantee,” Vialli added.

Finally, Vialli gave his thoughts on the current Juventus side.

“It seems to me that the base is very solid. The directors are building a team in a position to play against anyone in Italy.

“Meanwhile in Europe, if Ibrahimovic were to leave Inter, I don't see an Italian in the fight with the favourites for the Champions League.

“That said, if we are underestimated, we can become unpredictably competitive,” Vialli concluded.

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